Should We Follow Feeling?

Do you follow your feelings? What is the relationship between action and feeling? How can understanding the relationship help us in purposeful living?

As we travel purposefully upon our personal pathways, we often encounter areas of necessary growth…and, therefore, necessary change. Change can be difficult, particularly when we heed our feelings more closely than we do God’s Word.

It is natural to act according to feelings, and in doing so we live according to the flesh. We may justify our actions with intellectualization. Yet, when we live according to feelings, we follow an uncertain (and often unpleasant) course indeed. We know that feelings are capricious, ever-changing and often not stemming from Truth. After all, “the heart is deceitful above all things and beyond cure. Who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9)

So what is the basis for purposeful decisions? And how do we factor in feelings? A purposeful course follows decisions based on God’s Word – His eternal, unchanging Truth – no matter one’s feelings at the time. We embrace and give thanks for the feelings that God provides, the feelings that make us human. That being said, we do not honor these feelings above His Word. When feelings trigger actions, we discover unnecessary twists and turns and delays in purposeful progress. We remain stuck in old and often unfruitful patterns.

When we place Biblical action before feeling, however, we experience liberation from chains of past and alignment with God’s Will. God then blesses us with changed feelings…but we must first take the obedient action. In doing so, our feelings begin to align with His feelings, our distastes with His distates, our delights with His delights. “Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart.” (Psalm 37:4)

Is following God’s Word in spite of countering feelings always easy? I can say from experience “no.” Is it worthwhile, transformative and freeing? I can also say from experience “absolutely!” This principle, like many, takes practice. The more often we experience a replacement of one set of feelings with a new set of feelings, the more confidence we have in making decisions in spite of feelings – for we trust that those painful, contrary feelings will not last forever. We know that God will replace them with joy and with peace.

Truly miraculous is the way that God transforms our minds, yet we must obediently act in order for transformation to happen. “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is–his good, pleasing and perfect will.” (Romans 12:2)

What patterns are holding you back from bearing more fruit? What feelings are keeping you tied to these patterns? I encourage you to trust God fully that the “the truth will set you free.” (John 8:32b) Embrace His Word, embrace His Love, embrace the transformation that He promises. When you act according to His Word, He will not abandon you in old feelings. He will liberate and uplift you…but you must reach your hand to Him and sweetly surrender to His lead.

Today and every day I encourage you to leave the shackles of the world behind…and allow instead God’s Spirit to transform your mind.

The Media and Your Message

Do you have a message to share? Do you have a story in your heart? Do you have insights and experiences that can uplift, inspire and encourage others?

Sharing your message may seem like a formidable task, but I want you to take heart that there are many ways to share.

The local media, for example, is an excellent venue for sharing. I recently interviewed my good friend and fellow life coach Joel Boggess regarding how to spread your message by collaborating with the local media.

What a fun and informative call! Joel shared a wealth of insights and experiences. You can listen to the audio pod cast via the player below.

I encourage you to take notes, as working with the media can bridge the gap between you and your audience.

Life Lessons in Lost Keys

“Oh, no…where did my keys go?” I think most of us have asked this question in a panic. I lost a set of keys months ago while in the midst of an engaging phone conversation. Distracted by the content of the call, I placed my keys on the kitchen counter rather than in their “special” spot. My intent was to retrieve them after the call. When I finished the phone conversation, however, the keys were no longer on the counter. Things do disappear with a toddler in the home!

I was determined to find them. After all, they had to be somewhere in the house! I looked everywhere: up and down, in and out, through every trash bag and behind every corner. No keys. I looked under every furniture item and through all the children’s toys. Still no keys.

Well, a few weeks ago – and literally nine months later – my son found the keys underneath the recliner in the living room. I had moved that very chair several times and had checked the creases and crevices countless times. Yet suddenly these keys appeared almost a year later. It seemed that there must be some meaning or message to the whole experience.

After all, how often are we looking for something that is right beneath us? How often do we assume that it is no longer worth looking or trying when we see no immediate result? And how often does God demonstrate that He works all things in His perfect time?

As simple as the story of missing keys may be, valuable life lessons lie within it:

First, we must release attachment to outcomes and instead place in God’s hands the outcomes and the means. He will allow people or things or experiences to surface at just the right time. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28)

Second, we cannot assume that something is no longer in God’s will after a certain length of time has passed. That which may seem dead or lost may resurface at a time or place unexpected. Trust not in appearances but in the perfection of God’s purposes. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)

Third, we must trust that the answers – the keys – are closer to us than we may think. We are often standing near or upon the very things for which we long and look. Allow stillness and silence to bring answers through God’s Voice that one cannot otherwise hear. “Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth.” (Psalm 46:10)

And, fourth, we must remember always that God sees the ultimate outcome and has a favorable plan. So we must remember to thank God in all things, even in the trials and losses. “Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance.” (James 1:2-3)

As we travel upon our pathways of purpose, let us trust God in all things…even when the keys are missing and the dreams seem to disappear. Let us take comfort in the perfection of His timing, His providence and His love. Appearances will not discourage or deceive us when we keep our eyes fixed on the Eternal. “Now faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” (Hebrews 1:11)

Today – and every day – let us celebrate the moment, hear God’s Voice in the stillness and trust Him fully in all things. For the keys to Eternity lie in our faith, love and trust of Him…